It’s not the first time that the animated show has done away with one of its characters.

Others who have previously met their demise on the show included Ned Flanders’ first wife Maud Flanders, saxophone player Bleeding Gums Murphy and psychologist Dr Marvin Monroe – although confusion reigns over the latter’s death after he returned in a later episode explaining he had been ‘very sick’.

The 25th series of the show began in the US last weekend with an episode which saw the cartoon family spoofing Homeland.

Daniel Radcliffe, Elisabeth Moss, Will Arnett and Kristen Wiig, are among the guest stars in the new season.